International HR Day 2024: Celebrating the People Profession

For Courtney Cangemi, it was seeing her mother’s work ethic in action that first put her on the path to public sector HR.

“My mom was a maintenance worker for most of my life, and she took her responsibilities very seriously,” said Cangemi, who is now the director of human resources with the City of Gallatin in Gallatin, Tenn.

“Because of that, I have a great appreciation for the people who willingly do the jobs that others might balk at, because, without those people, nothing else could be accomplished.

“Serving the people who serve the community is the main factor that led me to public sector HR,” Cangemi continued. “Looking out for, helping and serving those who often go unnoticed is immensely rewarding. People don’t often think about the individuals who collect their trash, or build their utility infrastructure or mow the parks unless or until those things don’t happen. But I get to peek behind the curtain every single day and see the real people who make all of those things work.”

Today, May 20, is International HR Day (IHRD), offering an occasion to celebrate the people profession around the world, and to recognize public sector HR leaders and PSHRA members like Cangemi.

International HR Day “is all about recognizing and celebrating the value and positive impact that HR brings to the organization and its people,” according to the Academy to Innovate HR, which notes that the European Association for People Management designates a theme or themes for IHRD each year. For 2024, the themes are championing ethical technology and AI integration, redefined future workplaces, excellence in people leadership and continuous investment in skills and education.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that HR is the backbone of any organization,” the Academy to Innovate HR noted, adding that the work HR does ensures that an organization “has what it needs to achieve its goals and be successful. This might sound simple on paper, but in this disruptive and highly competitive business environment, ensuring your organization succeeds is no easy feat.”

The work that HR does may not be easy, but is worthy of recognition, said Mark Van Bruggen, who has spent the past 35 years with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, where he currently serves as HR consultant to the chief of staff.

Van Bruggen, who is also the current president of the PSHRA Executive Council, has gained a unique perspective on public service and public sector HR in the course of his three-plus decades in government.

“It wasn’t until I became employed in the public sector that I developed my appreciation for the people who serve and protect our communities, counties, states and nation,” he recently told PSHRA.

“Within PSHRA, we say, ‘we serve those who serve,’ meaning our association provides resources, training and opportunities to connect HR professionals who have an obligation to the public sector workforce,” Van Bruggen continued.

“Our members, including yours truly, work every day to ensure the unsung heroes who educate our children, care for the infirm, ensure the safety of our roads and bridges, and protect us from the evils of the world receive fair and equitable treatment from their employers. It is a noble task that, in and of itself, rarely receives the recognition it deserves.”